DRHC Redevelopment Project Update January 2019

Construction on the Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC) Emergency Department/Special Care Unit Redevelopment Project has continued through early 2019 and is now about 75 per cent complete. Work on the $23 million redevelopment began in May 2017 and, once completed, will see a much more spacious, modernized and efficient Emergency Department (ED), Special Care Unit (SCU) and ambulance bay area.

At this time, the revised construction completion timeframe for the main ED/SCU work is anticipated to be June 2019. However, the health region would still require some time after taking possession of the new space to move over all the necessary ED and SCU functions. Planning to ensure the move from the much smaller temporary ED/SCU, which is currently in use, into the new, larger areas continues to take place. More information on future milestones and important timelines will be provided in the coming months.

Presently, within the interior of the building, contractors are completing the main floor drywall work and preparing to begin painting. On the exterior, brick installation is nearly complete.

Some of the overall highlights of the redevelopment include:

an expanded ED/SCU overall area by over three times its size;

enhanced treatment, exam and observation rooms including a new decontamination area;

integrating PMH security services into the new main entrance point, which is designed with public and staff safety in mind;

more access-friendly and patient drop-off improvements in both the front and back of the facility.

It’s important to note that even though the new ED/SCU will start functioning in the summer of 2019, there will still be one last construction phase required for the DRHC front entrance and ramp. The front ramp area will be demolished and reconstructed beginning in early to mid-summer 2019. It’s anticipated the final phase will be completed in November 2019.

Accordingly, the temporary entrance between the hospital and community health building, which has been in use since construction started, will remain as a key point of entry/exit until project completion.